## Medical treatment technology, Diagnostic technology

## Life Sciences

## Development of a Medical Equipment, Gut Clamper

Keyword: Medical equipment for laparoscopic operations, Pharmaceutical law, Government-industry-academia collaboration

## Organizations Involved

Yoshikazu Kuroda, Professor, Kobe University School of Medicine

O Kazuo Ono, President, Onosha Co., Ltd.

O Takafumi Tsurui, President, Kobe Biomedics Co., Ltd.

Professor

Kuroda

President

Ono

President

Tsurui

## 【Abstract】

Headquarters for Innovative Cooperation and Development of Kobe University identified the needs for medical equipments through hearing from doctors of the School of Medicine, and patent applications on such equipments were submitted. In cooperation with Kobe City and The Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation, Onosha Co. Ltd., developed such safe equipment closely working with the doctors. This medical equipment, Gut Clamper was successfully commercialized after approval under Pharmaceutical Law.

## 【Summary of the technology transfer】

## Technological Impact

The gut clamper is used for tying up the large intestine during a laparoscopic operation. The gut clamper is advantageous because its prevents the recurrence of cancer caused by cancer cells scattering in the intestine which easily occur during an operation for colon cancer, being easy to attach and reliable, and low in cost.

## Market Impact

A large amount of medical equipments are imported, and an increase in domestic developments of the equipments will contribute to activation of the domestic medical industry. With the aim of strengthening sales, papers on the studies on Gut Clamper were presented at meetings of The Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery. Its sales increase is expected

## ●Social Impact

The Gut Clamper, which makes it possible for colon cancer patients to receive medical treatment in a minimally invasive manner and will produce remarkable effects in preventing a recurrence of the cancer, has been commercialized for the first time in Japan, and the dissemination of surgical technique with Gut Clamper to the world is expected.

## ●Special Features of the Collaboration

Cooperation among government, industry and academia until commercialization of the gut clamper has drawn attention as the “Kobe System.” This is a result of grasping the needs of medical departments, patent research, market research, selection of a manufacturer, development of products with persistent cooperation and coordination.

## Project Background

The coordinators of Kobe University proposed the ideas and needs for surgical devices originated by doctors of the School of Medicine to the Society for Study of Medical Equipments, Kobe Machinery and Metal Firms Association.

## Funding History

Kobe City Research Expense Subsidiary

Work in Medical and Welfare Fields 2004

Title of Research: “Development of surgical devices for laparoscopic operations”

## I ntellectual property protection

Patent Application: Domestic 1, Overseas 1

Title of Invention: "Gut Clamper"

Application No.: JP2004-276827

Overseas (PCT) No. PCT/JP2005/17462

## Turning point in the Project

Understanding of medical technology through communications with doctors

Securing patents from the beginning

○A long time of efforts for medical equipment development including obtaining an approval under Pharmaceutical Law